Thou in toil art
comfort sweet, Pleasant coolness in the heat, solace in
the midst of woe.

The Gift of Fortitude

The Gift of
Fortitude By the gift of Fortitude the soul is
strengthened against natural fear, and supported to the
end in the performance of duty. Fortitude imparts to the
will an impulse and energy which move it to under take
without hesitancy the most arduous tasks, to face
dangers, to trample under foot human respect, and to
endure without complaint the slow martyrdom of even
lifelong tribulation. "He that shall persevere unto
the end, he shall be saved."

Prayer

Come, O Blessed
Spirit of Fortitude, uphold my soul in time of trouble
and adversity, sustain my efforts after holiness,
strengthen my weakness, give me courage against all the
assaults of my enemies, that I may never be overcome and
separated from Thee, my God and greatest Good. Amen.

The gift of
Knowledge enables the soul to evaluate created things at
their true worth--in their relation to God. Knowledge
unmasks the pretense of creatures, reveals their
emptiness, and points out their only true purpose as
instruments in the service of God. It shows us the loving
care of God even in adversity, and directs us to glorify
Him in every circumstance of life. Guided by its light,
we put first things first, and prize the friendship of
God beyond all else. "Knowledge is a fountain of
life to him that possesseth it."

Prayer

Come, O Blessed
Spirit of Knowledge, and grant that I may perceive the
will of the Father; show me the nothingness of earthly
things, that I may realize their vanity and use them only
for Thy glory and my own salvation, looking ever beyond
them to Thee, and Thy eternal rewards. Amen.

If Thou take Thy
grace away, nothing pure in man will stay, All his good
is turn'd to ill.

The Gift of
Understanding

Understanding, as a
gift of the Holy Spirit, helps us to grasp the meaning of
the truths of our holy religion BY faith we know them,
but by Understanding we learn to appreciate and relish
them. It enables us to penetrate the inner meaning of
revealed truths and through them to be quickened to
newness of life. Our faith ceases to be sterile and
inactive, but inspires a mode of life that bears eloquent
testimony to the faith that is in us; we begin to
"walk worthy of God in all things pleasing, and
increasing in the knowledge of God."

Prayer

Come, O Spirit of
Understanding, and enlighten our minds, that we may know
and believe all the mysteries of salvation; and may merit
at last to see the eternal light in Thy Light; and in the
light of glory to have a clear vision of Thee and the
Father and the Son. Amen.

The gift of Counsel
endows the soul with supernatural prudence, enabling it
to judge promptly and rightly what must done, especially
in difficult circumstances. Counsel applies the
principles furnished by Knowledge and Understanding to
the innumerable concrete cases that confront us in the
course of our daily duty as parents, teachers, public
servants, and Christian citizens. Counsel is supernatural
common sense, a priceless treasure in the quest of
salvation. "Above all these things, pray to the Most
High, that He may direct thy way in truth."

Prayer

Come, O Spirit of Counsel, help and
guide me in all my ways, that I may always do Thy holy
will. Incline my heart to that which is good; turn it
away from all that is evil, and direct me by the straight
path of Thy commandments to that goal of eternal life for
which I long.